To use a biblical metaphor, the Church needs Mary and Martha. Whereas so much of our frenetic American society is focused on "Doing," the Church should deliberately create spaces where "Being" and "Doing" are held in sacred tension. Jesus followers need opportunities to pause, center ourselves psychologically and spiritually, focus on being mindfully present in the moment, and … [Read more...] about Beatnik Christianity Holds Together Contemplative Practices and Social Justice
Jesus
Beatnik Christianity Frames the Jesus Story Through Narrative Instead of Systematics
During my Reformed phase some years ago, I read an essay by D.A. Carson containing a chart of theological progression. It showed a linear development. It started with exegesis, which led to biblical theology, then moved to historical theology, and culminated in systematic theology. The implicit message was clear: systematic theology is the pinnacle of Christian theological … [Read more...] about Beatnik Christianity Frames the Jesus Story Through Narrative Instead of Systematics
Beatnik Christianity Restores A Christocentric Biblical Hermeneutic
Biblical interpretation has drastically evolved over the centuries, but one principle that has remained relatively stable has been the affirmation of a pivoting Christocentric hermeneutic. Jesus followers at least profess that the whole sweep of the Bible's redemptive narrative from Genesis to Revelation should be perceived through the lens of Jesus. The Old Testament looks … [Read more...] about Beatnik Christianity Restores A Christocentric Biblical Hermeneutic
Beatnik Christianity Rejects the Obsession with Outward Appearances of Piety
The 19th century Holiness Movement has been largely forgotten outside of Wesleyan circles, but its permeating influence upon global Christianity continues. The movement called for the "consecration" of a Christian's whole life and the pursuit of "entire sanctification" that purged sin from one's soul through a "second work of grace." The ultimate goal being not only intimacy … [Read more...] about Beatnik Christianity Rejects the Obsession with Outward Appearances of Piety
Beatnik Christianity Minimizes Polite Gentility And Maximizes Robust Civility
In an interview with On Being's Krista Tippett, Richard Mouw suggested, "A lot of people today who have strong convictions are not very civil and a lot of people who are civil don't have very strong convictions. What we really need is convicted civility." In that same interview, the former president of Fuller Seminary also observed, "Too often in life we proceed with a … [Read more...] about Beatnik Christianity Minimizes Polite Gentility And Maximizes Robust Civility
